Words That Hide the Truth - George Carlin

George Carlin (May 12, 1937 - June 22, 2008) was an American comedian, actor, author, and social critic. Regarded as one of the most important and influential stand-up comedians of all time, he was dubbed "the dean of counterculture comedians". He was known for his dark humor and reflections on politics, the English language, psychology, religion, and taboo subjects.
The first of Carlin's 14 stand-up comedy specials for HBO was filmed in 1977, broadcast as George Carlin at USC. From the late 1980s onwards, his routines focused on sociocultural criticism of American society. He often commented on American political issues and satirized American culture. He was a frequent performer and guest host on The Tonight Show during the three-decade Johnny Carson era and hosted the first episode of Saturday Night Live in 1975. His final comedy special, It's Bad for Ya, was filmed less than four months before his death from cardiac failure. In 2008, he was posthumously awarded the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor.
The audio in this video is from George Carlin's 1990 HBO special, "Doin' it Again".
Please consider supporting After Skool on Patreon / afterskool
Visit our site at www.afterskool.net/
Check out the new After Skool prints! after-skool.creator-spring.com
Or send us an email at [e-mail]
Please share, like, comment, subscribe and hit the notifications bell so you don't miss future videos. Thank you.

[@mr.bnatural3700]

George Carlin is like the high school teacher you thought was a bit off their rocker at the time but later realize was a genius...

[@stormwatcher59]

I had a high school teacher who used to say things like: "If you marry someone you have already met at this point in your life, you're only hurting yourself." "You are only as big as your experiences!" ....and he was right.

[@Robert_McGarry_Poems]

Brilliant!

[@michelleaneous]

More like the only Professor I’d buy Psilocybin from 🤣🍄

[@MyrnaDeJesus]

What an absolutely brilliant comparison!

[@thebuddah1253]

Nah he was pro abortion and anti Cristian

[@foobietv]

Can you imagine if George Carlin were alive today and what he would tell us about the world we live in now.

[@namenamr4460]

I was going to say the exact same thing.

[@DawnDavidson]

I often find myself REALLY missing George Carlin these days. Fortunately, we do have Randy Rainbow for an entirely different take on modern absurdities.

[@Marklemarklemark]

Because he isn’t alive the world has turned into a nightmare in the west and the young people are allowing it to happen, they’re imprisoning themselves in their own ideology.

[@carolwalker5488]

That it is doomed 😢

[@hypno_bunny]

If George Carlin were alive to see this bullshit society we live in now, he would have, in today's terms, "un-alived" himself, since "soft language" has progressed to the point you can no longer say commited suicide.

[@miakay327]

Of course George Carlin was great and scarily predictive, but can we give this channel some credit for this amazing art!?

[@Milesco]

My thoughts exactly! The artwork is amazing! 🏆 👏

[@johnmaki3046]

nope

[@johnmaki3046]

The WORD is BETTER than this "art".

[@wildcl0ver]

I think this is AI-generated. You can buy an app that does this for any video

[@Scum8ag]

Does it amaze you? You really go straight to the top shelves with any of your adjectives right? If this is amazing, what is Sistine chapel?

[@jessedorsettii9988]

He studied language. He was a master of the written and spoken word.

[@elizabethq1709]

He obviously didn't study it enough. Or maybe it's that studying language is just one piece of the puzzle. Maybe you also need to study history and understand how specific language was used and resulted in exclusion and oppression. Such exclusion and oppression is only starting to ease because of the new language we have adopted to explain the reality of the world around us.

[@jessedorsettii9988]

Not sure what your point is. George Carlin was a master of language and human psychology, like George Orwell, and understood the power of sociological weapons that are based on the manipulation of language and breakdown of logic and critical thinking. One scholar refers to philosophical mindset of a society that allows this to happen and uses the example of Nazi Germany to illustrate his point. Leonard Peikoff in his book The Ominous Parallels makes many good points and observation between the rise of Nazi ideology and the trends happening in America, and this book was written 40 years ago.

[@elizabethq1709]

@@jessedorsettii9988 My point is that this language that he's mocking is what is giving many people hope in a way that was never seen in previous generations. I'm also not sure what Nazi ideology has to do with the validity of PTSD as a term that explains the reality of trauma to the best of our ability. It is logic and critical thinking that has given us terms such as PTSD. So I really don't know what he means when he calls it "soft language." These terms explain reality so much better than terms in the past.

[@jessedorsettii9988]

Why? Because PTSD is still very disconnected with everyday reality and simplicity. The point George makes is you can trivialize matters by making their name complicated. Shell shock is simple, everyone understands. Calling something a disorder almost implies the person has a problem. Well. The problem isn't THE PERSON, it's what happened to them. You apply very clinical terms and it becomes less tangible, less real, less a matter of importance. That is what happens when you manipulate language to "soften" the reality that the prior names had for the exact same condition or thing. @@elizabethq1709

[@Tetragramix]

@@elizabethq1709 All language is exclusionary to those who don't speak it.

[@kennethj1956]

Carlin wasn't a comedian , he was a philosopher with a comedian's attitude

[@bigjilm6290]

This comment is on literally every single George Carlin video

[@maverickbull1909]

PLEASE for the love of god come up with an original thought from your tiny little brain and stop restating this on every video of Carlin ever made omg

[@NikosM112]

@@bigjilm6290 ikr starting to get really old.

[@mlenzkes]

similar to Bill Burr

[@recoveringsoul755]

Comedians are the only ones who can still speak any truth

[@kennethj1956]

“Thinking is difficult, that’s why most people judge.”--George Carlin

[@robmartin9782]

That's a Carl Jung quote though.

[@GoldenBlaisdale]

@@robmartin9782 I've always loved this quote and like many people believed it was from Carl Jung; but it turns out that he never actually said it. However, he did say “Thinking is difficult, therefore let the herd pronounce judgment!” which may explain the misappropriation.

[@ourdivinemouseoverlord3308]

​@@GoldenBlaisdale I haven't read any books from Jung, so I could very easily be wrong, but I don't think he used the term "herd." That sounds more like something Nietzsche would say.

[@thebuddah1253]

Yah making judgments is a good thing. I make judgments about gross looking people on the street and I avoid them.

[@willolol3353]

its not that thinking is just difficult, it takes time, which not many people take/have

[@advisor707r]

I always thought George Carlin was one of the best comedians of his time. The older I get, the more I recognize, and appreciate, that he was also a very deep thinker and how he ised comedy to convey a thoughtful/thought provoking message. His wit and wisdom is sorely missed today.

[@kirkkohnen5050]

"Older?!?!" Don't you mean "Now that I'm getting old?"

[@kenesawthornley6462]

Ironiclly the best comedians, those making comical light heartedness of life. Are some of those he stare deepest at that same life. After all they need to really underatand atleast their own life to make something funny of it. Even more peoples lives if they want to share that light heartedness. Alot of modern comedians have lost that depth, and in turn lost the ability to actually make light heartedness out of anything at all beyond stupidity.

[@Mafyeux]

Carlin has to be the single wisest person I've ever known of, nothing got by him. He knew all of our flaws, and exactly what to do about them, he should be studied.

[@kray97]

One of George Carlin's great gifts was his ability to take the bleakest subjects and make you laugh about them.

[@gabe7120]

That's what comedy used to be, before all the sensitive people took over all media

[@NancyChasteen]

Actually, what he did is show us how to laugh at ourselves. Greatest gift possible...

[@betterchapter]

“Never underestimate the power of stupid people in large groups.” - George Carlin

[@plantfeeder6677]

Large groups of people usually are or turn stupid in the first place. "Men, it has been well said, think in herds; it will be seen that they go mad in herds, while they only recover their senses slowly, one by one."-Charles MacKay

[@thelostdeity2401]

Proud boys… Qanon… he was right.

[@mangeload]

​@@thelostdeity2401 antifa, blm...

[@dancarter6044]

@@thelostdeity2401Like how #BlackLiesMatter riots were largely peaceful?

[@thatonefpsgamer1339]

Holy fuck yeah. George Carlin is a fucking genius for pointing out the obvious. Dumb ass deserved what he got

[@ScarlettFire341]

“In a time of deceit telling the truth is a revolutionary act.” ― George Orwell

[@pickledragonrebel]

And it's never more applicable than right now......

[@cameronb7161]

Bro, it's literally 1984

[@prodigalpriest]

I wish it was 1984 again. I loved that year.

[@morthim]

@@prodigalpriest me too. i wasnt born but, it was pretty great.

[@ktodd4883]

Oh Canada

[@generalzugs6017]

He saw through bullsh*t like no one else. Genius in true meaning of the word. One of the rare that reached enlightenment.

[@johnstutzer8664]

This world needs George Carlin more than ever. Boy do I miss him!

[@juha2031]

Needs him for?

[@Gottaculat]

Simplicity is a sign of genius. Keep your words clear and truthful.

[@CD-vb9fi]

you get hated for that... a lot!

[@malcolmdune]

get hated by dumb people? thousand liar always worth less than one honest person

[@shogunofharlem8240]

Simplicity, yes. Reductionist thinking, no.

[@max7971]

@@malcolmdune wtf are you talking about? In what world do dumb people hate you for using simple words and definitions? If anything-it’s dumb people who usually try to simplify complex topics so their small brains could fit them inside-and reduce complex and layered problems to good/bad, black/white

[@nyneeveanya8861]

Unfortunately in today’s society you can’t keep it clear and truthful. If you do you run the risk of being “insensitive “, “narrow minded”, or god forbid, “lewd, crude,and unacceptable” I am a fat, crippled, asthmatic old fart but if you called me that you would get yelled at by the “woke” citizens.

[@caseyj8210]

This is one of Carlin’s most important pieces of work. We’re seeing today exactly what he was speaking of 30 years ago!

[@amanofnoreputation2164]

Nietzsche talked about it before him and for all of Nietzsche's originality I doubt he was the first to do so.

[@CaDzA818]

@@amanofnoreputation2164 it is something interesting i think in human condition of us all that is universal theme and it repeat itself in everyone's lifetime and also will be in future, struggle for power, money, reputation, relationships that is really fascinating to some of us we inspect and want to share it with others...

[@marym1lky]

I'm pretty sure people understood what he was saying when this came out so you're not saying anything new or special. If you read any history book you can say that quite literally it repeats itself over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over again. MEMES DO THIS, that's why I'm sick of everything. Memes are recycled bullshit from 5 years ago, current events are just things that happened 10 years ago with new lingo and new ways to spread them through hacky comics and jokes. Nothing ever changes. No dip this is still happening. It's BEEN happening for decades, and it's hilarious to see people freak out just as much as they did 30 years ago.

[@WilliamMckenzie-eg7oo]

55g

[@loristromski1334]

I knew what he was speaking about then

[@ruellerz]

That is an absolutely, amazing, and accurate quote. I'm going to relay this to my children. "We think in language. The quality of our thoughts & ideas can only be as good as the quality of our language."

[@WreckingKrew00]

George Carlin was not only a comedic genius but, most of what he talked about pertaining to politics and government has now come to fruition .HE WAS WAY AHEAD OF HIS TIME. RIP GEORGE.

[@GD1_3]

Carlin was so ahead of his time and tried to tell us. He was a damn genius!

[@nemonusquam373]

Nope, he was just a freethinker. And that was rare in his time.

[@Rebcap05]

@@nemonusquam373 "freethinker" don't call you an asshole for no reason

[@nickacelvn]

Oh he did tell us my friend and some of us like yourself listened. We listened and are waiting patiently for the stupid so as to annihilate it whenever possible. lol well, it's worth a go.

[@thegreenbean6777]

What he said wasn’t ahead of his time at all. It was already happening.

[@sophiamr4008]

​@nemonusquam373 trust me it's still RARE

[@NickNapoli]

This is honestly one of George Carlin’s best routines. It resonates so well today.

[@VeganSemihCyprus33]

The truth is out there if you are interested and have the courage to look 👉 The Connections (2021) [short documentary] 🔥

[@1318Hereiswisdom]

Have you not heard him talk about the club we ain’t in

[@RMCbreezy]

The military industrial complex shpeel stands the test of time too

[@Madonnalitta1]

​@@1318Hereiswisdom "They don't care about you. At all. At all".

[@Housedelarue22]

@@RMCbreezy the military and monetary

[@fugueine]

Oh how I miss Carlin. The illustrations were an amazingly executed compliment to the material.

[@craigsykes3603]

He was utterly brilliant. Only discovered him 2023 on KZbin. Still as relevant today if not ahead of his time.

[@shonneprice2081]

WTF, what are u like, 9?? How is that even possible? 🤔🤨

[@Rani79]

@@shonneprice2081 Because people aren't born at the same time, at the same place, with the same knowledge.

[@craigsykes3603]

@@shonneprice2081 I know, right. I'm a total failure for not spotting him much earlier. But as they say, better late than never 🙂

[@daveweldon5481]

Saw him live in 93 so great!

[@AyayronBalakay]

I was lucky enough to see George's standup live He was a genius

[@ivaveazey9631]

That's great. I went to a Carlin show in high school in the 70's. Life altering! Went a couple a decades later to his show in Vegas. The friend that was with me sent him a gift - a bag of puffed blue corn snacks. Her way of saying wait a minute, there is blue food. A couple of months later she received a signed photograph of him with a note that said - those were purple not blue. He was holding up the backs of his hands in the picture and he had put letters on his knuckles, like a prison tattoo, NO BLUE FOOD.

[@kamenanew9867]

​@@ivaveazey9631 that's friggin awesome, he rocked, lucky yall

[@lilpoulescott1751]

😢😢😢😢😮

[@IrieRogue]

Too cool, I'd have loved to see him live

[@AyayronBalakay]

@@ivaveazey9631 wow thats amazing!

[@robertollier3085]

Notwithstanding the genius of George Carlin, I just wanted to say that the After Skool format and animations are brilliant. They always hold attention and combine perfectly with the script. I would love to see a behind the scenes episode...

[@kamenanew9867]

Ooo, good idea, seconded

[@madhaze0126]

Agree , I love this channel.

[@fredaowens2728]

George had his finger on the pulse of America. His commentary throughout the years was the reality that was very much needed by society. Miss you, George! Thank you! Rest in peace ❤

[@AK574]

Carlin makes me think I was born in the wrong generation, I’m only 25, all this still hits the nail on the head

[@joebove4]

It doesn’t mean you were born in the wrong generation. It means that we as a society have been dealing with the same crap for decades. If not longer.

[@LoveAndSnapple]

If things are terrible today then they were worse in the past.

[@44punisherable]

You got some grungy jokes that'll make make your ancestors churn their butter?

[@noone8418]

“Some people see a glass that’s half empty. Other people see a glass that’s half full. I see a glass that’s twice as big as it needs to be.”- George Carlin

[@virtualmorality]

Technically it depends on whether your pouring or drinking...

[@tysonatkins2236]

I see it as containing 50% of it's maximum capacity of fluid.

[@briancostello6892]

😂😂😂💯%

[@monkeyboy4311]

George Carlin was the best, sharpest critic of 20th Century Western Culture. He was also the best comedian of the 20th Century. An absolute titan of cadence and content.

[@djdB]

Hear, hear!

[@plantfeeder6677]

Ya that's not true. He was the best of his generation but there were brilliant people born lived and died in the 20th century before you me and George were even born. Will Rodgers is one such person. You think Carlin came up with all this on his own? His father was in the news business and I guarantee when he was a kid the sayings of Will Rodgers and satirists like him were very influential on him.

[@thefirm4606]

I seesaw between Carlin and Pryor. Both were great ❤

[@Fire_ov_Renewal]

Not. The greatest you don't hear about too often.

[@PerfectHandProductions]

Exactly! Unlike nearly all comedians, Carlin mastered both substance and style. He was truly brilliant.

[@brosch91]

At least at the end of the day, thanks to soft language, I'll never have to die...I'll pass away 😆 George Carlin always on point!

[@MrPanama9red]

There will never be another George Carlin. He was the best!

[@imchef17]

This was such an eye opener. I work in mental health I and refuse to use softer words because they don't sound serious enough to get the help that people need. Words are power and to use them to help people faster is so necessary. Someone who's having a psychotic episode doesn't have low mood, someone who's feeling suicidal isn't feeling just down and out ... wording is so important please use them correctly to help others around you get the help they need.

[@cliftonmcnalley8469]

Thank you so much for speaking up. My sister had been problematic for a few years after her first pregnancy. We had no idea what was happening. She had a psychotic break on a Sunday afternoon and her husband took her to our family doctor Monday morning. Her husband is an excellent man, but ever the peace keeper. I already had a doctor's appointment scheduled for Tues. morning. After dealing with my issue I looked at the doctor and said I needed to speak to him about my sister. As he started to object, I intervened and said I understood HIPAA - I just needed him to listen to me. I explained how my BIL would not have spoken in full truth in front of my sister, and gave a rundown on what all had happened. When I finished, he looked a bit confused so I ended with, "Dr., my entire family is worried she will throw her children off of the Main Street Bridge!" With that, he immediately focused and said, "In other words, she needs a psychiatrist instead of the therapist I have her scheduled with." She has been a successfully medicated schizophrenic for over 25 years. They are still happily married and the kids are college graduates, very successful in their chosen fields. There are times when gently speaking is an appropriate social behavior. Dealing with serious mental illness isn't one of those times.

[@imchef17]

@@cliftonmcnalley8469 Hi ... Oh man this is making me cry so much, this is a very overwhelming comment for me. This is a perfect example of why words matter. Look at your small action you did, you're selfless, small action ... look at all the lives you saved and the potential grief your whole family would have gone through. I am extremely happy for you, it's not often I get to cry for happy things, this is one of those times. I'm sending you a virtual hug and hopes that you're sisters children will succeed in whatever they choose to do. Make sure you tell you're sister you love her every time you see her. Well done mate, you're act was truly purposeful.

[@cliftonmcnalley8469]

@@imchef17 Thank you so much for your kind words and I have no doubt that those who find their way to your door will receive the help they need. Yours is a difficult battle as so often family members are the root cause and not the needed assistance for finding a proper solution. My BIL is a Saint and the glue that not only holds his family together but also strengthens it. Hang in there, your efforts will be rewarded even though the successes may be few and far between. Sometimes doing a wonderful thing is nothing more than helping someone to make it just one more day.

[@miggans21012]

This is the complete irony of our modern world. Words don't mean anything to anybody anymore.

[@imchef17]

@@miggans21012 In my job words mean life and death. So it's a bit unfair to say that.

[@solomonkane8136]

I can’t imagine all the amazing material he’d have with society today lol

[@rebelsoul9609]

Stating the facts got him off'd

[@Alex-m8515]

He would be cancelled these days lol

[@sereanaduwai8313]

Carlin would have had a field day with the nutty cases we now have😊

[@alleycatdevil]

@@Alex-m8515 he’d be a bleeding heart progressive today. are you joking?

[@ThaTruFily]

He died a lefty closer to Marx than your average breadtuber. He was a realist not a reactionary.

[@someoneawesome8717]

Fun fact: most disabled people HATE the "cushion terms". Honestly the fact that fear shapes so much of our language hurts me as a writer, like I said before when talking to my aunt about why most of my characters swear "it's never about using the fanciest words, it's about using the right ones for the situation, and sometimes the right word is FUCK"

[@johnallen7807]

On the other hand people who swear in everyday speech are just showing mental laziness, what do they say when something REALLY need swearing? maybe "Oh dear, that is unfortunate"???

[@a.p.5429]

A totally over used offensive word these days. It has come to have no meaning at all. Lets stick with old curse words used at appropriately punctuated times. Or just use better choice words to convey meaning that goes an inch over the heads of the uneducated.

[@elizabethq1709]

Speak for yourself. I'd rather people acknowledge that I have ADHD than call me stupid for struggling to think about and perceive things in a neurotypical way.

[@archstanton9073]

I used to know a person with dwarfism who didn't like "little people". She preferred the term "dwarf" because that's the condition she had. The "M" word, though, she didn't like.

[@rahbeeuh]

Indeed! I'm Disabled and while I know terms like neurodivergent are useful it has become part of soft language. People are too scared or "hurt" by words like "disorder" "deficit" "dysfunction" that they will go outta their way to avoid them. That's not gonna get us anywhere

[@angelalake200]

red fox &george carlin , helped keep me grounded .growing up in the 70s was chaotic. they are ,now ,needed again. the truth doesn't have to hurt.

[@wesleyhubbard6552]

Imagine the material George would be able to come up with today, pure gold!! A comic genius

[@romanyrose4074]

Nope he would have been on top of the list for cancelation. That's the world we live in now.

[@barneyboyle6933]

He’d have sold out just like Bill Burr and Jon “Stewart” Leibowitz. By the end of his career he was doing sad interviews about how white man bad

[@crab-finger]

he would want to go back to being dead

[@JBProject2]

It's bad for ya wasn't very long ago. 12 years before today.

[@wildolive53]

@@crab-finger😂

[@AfterSkool]

"People have been bullsh*tted by the system into believing that if you change the name of the condition, somehow you'll change the condition" - George Carlin. It's difficult to solve a problem if we don't have the language to discuss it. If you enjoyed the art in this video, please consider supporting After Skool on Patreon. Thank you! www.patreon.com/AfterSkool

[@VeganSemihCyprus33]

The truth is out there if you are interested and have the courage to look 👉 Dominion (2018)

[@janettemasiello5560]

So many words have changed meaning Or perhaps I should say the intent in which they are used has changed... equity, diversity, tolerance, And some are just made up , like gender fluidity lol

[@jasonmelstad]

@After Skool i wonder what George Carlin would have thought of that Thomas Sowell speech. not much, i bet

[@thuggineternal]

Thank you for prodding me to give Carlin another chance. My 74 year old mother and I finally have something we can laugh over together.

[@Beederda]

John vervaeke emphasizes this in our meaning crisis we have bullshitted ourselves out of facing reality and this has led us to the meaning crisis that plagues society as a whole we must awaken from this bullshit even if our parents disagree they are what imprinted us with such ridiculous ideas in the first place. Comedians are our modern day philosophers in regular clothing and noone did it better than carlin imo. this was a great video a real one about something important and not for clickbait and i find that admirable

[@stephanymurdy3165]

George Carlin was incredibly funny…. And he was a gifted social critic. He noticed the oddities in the way people spoke, acted and reacted. There will never be another like him!

[@NitroModelsAndComics]

The brilliance on display shows just how far ahead George was. Delivered with all the experience and raw power that only a very few can.

[@sereanaduwai8313]

Fantastic. Carlin is from another level and class of reality who just amazes us with his wisdom. Coupled with drawings it just brings Carlins words to life. Beautifully done

[@ronaldpettifurd5957]

The art is great. It adds to an already amazing piece

[@17h127]

I miss him greatly. We need him today. Thankfully most of his stuff is timeless, and seems to become more relevant all the time.

[@dungeonsanddioramas8068]

He would be having a field day with the shit that’s happening these days…it’s probably better he died before he had to suffer through it. I do miss him though, may he rest in peace.

[@tjwash5118]

He’d be cancelled… then when he spoke of it he’d brilliantly explain being cancelled logic

[@SomeJerkOnTheInternet]

I would not want him to see how the Woke have devolved Humanity, let him rest.

[@derrickmcadoo3804]

One of the last great Liberals. It's a shame. The left today is all about creepy cult/ fascist stuff. Intolerance. Restrictions on free speech. Carlin was a champion of Free Speech.

[@user-ju1os7kz3q]

Thank you. I had forgotten how important George Carlin comedy was, is. 🥰

[@davidpowell6098]

I do miss this man, people like him that expose the stupidity of life are getting rarer by the day. RIP old man.

[@dropbearjd8986]

Ahhh... back when comedy was an artform *and* a medium for philosophy. Comedy required intellect and wisdom. Not just a tag line or a funny voice. God bless all speakers of truth! 🙌🙏❤️

[@protagtom]

Very few comedians were as tastefully blunt yet socially aware and intellectual as George. He was rare to come by.

[@sgordon8123]

We still have them. Check out Ricky Gervais

[@SwimmingThruChaos]

Phunny filosophy. There's a worthwhile Eyedea.

[@Sinnixk]

Tbf Bo Burham is the spiritual successor to George. Guys a lyrical comedic philosophical genius

[@churblefurbles]

He was a regime favored redditor who helped prove the slippery slope right, in keeping with his thought his only daughter ended his line.

[@joshm8661]

George knew exactly what was playing out while others thought he was out of his mind. Now, 30 years later, people realize how right he was.

[@michelleowens9838]

Yep. He kept trying to warn us. Many People still have No Clue!!

[@joshm8661]

@Michelle Owens I know, and it blows my mind to be so blind while they're doing things in front of our eyes. Going out of their way to show you it seems these days.

[@Autonym]

Crazy indeed, I wonder what he'd have to say about nazis and wannabe dictators strutting about with no fear.

[@marlene-rr2ih]

I think most of us got it right away. Remember, we were a melting pot, before we became a minority in our own country.

[@marlene-rr2ih]

I think most of us got it right away. And the problems Carlin so masterfully presented were the same problems in other countries. While most American citizens were unaware of our Constitution and their rights, foreigners were taking advantage of them. But we understood what Carlin was saying. We were a "melting pot" of diverse people, but now that we citizens are becoming a minority in our own country, the WOKE "diversity" had changed, and so have our un-elected leaders. Yet, we who love our country are still patriots, and one can't be a patriot without knowing what made America great. Times have changed and Carlin knew it would.

[@flagcoco69]

I'm pretty educated on all things Carlin. He had many great bits worth watching. It's just my opinion, but this bit on euphemisms, especially the Shell Shock portion, might be the absolute best thing he ever did. Not just because it's truer today than it was in his day, but it's damn near poetic. Instead of all of us just bitching about this, Carlin gives a very specific item, showed how it softened over time, and how it warped the way we view war and the fate of our soldiers. I call him a modern-day Socrates, and this is Exhibit A to his ability to hold up a mirror to America's numerous neuroses.

[@secretAgentRandyBeans11]

I have to pause multiple times to catch up, my goodness the genius of this man. I'm a fan now

[@poppins1632]

I couldn’t put a finger on why the process of changing terminology bothered me so much sometimes. George has nailed it - the humanity has been squeezed completely out of the phrase.

[@robertmccabe8632]

Its the distract Misdirect and ultimately Destroy society, by the use of vagueness. The root being founded upon the first deceit by satan in the garden. Did Yah say thou should surely die?

[@snoman18x]

In college I read an academic article about this topic. It discussed the topic of changing terminology and labels serves no purpose in the long term because the percieved offence or insult is simply carried over into the next and the one after that. The author specifically used the at the time changing terms for little persons from 'midget' to 'dwarf' and so on. It talked about as the preferred name was altered from 'midget' to avoid the derogatory term, the derogatory interpretation and perception eventually followed into the next term because the culture assigning the offensive connotation hadn't been addressed. I couldn't find the specific article but I'll search for it and add a link when I can.

[@slvaltva1392]

My parents genuinely used to say "he is not autistic!! He is neurodivergent" because it helped them pretend i wasn't autistic

[@BradyRamaker]

Making it clinical instead of a poetic, vague phrase makes it possible to help people tho. Not fun for bystanders but good for the victims tho.

[@haphazardlark1502]

Language is a living thing and we can change it and adapt it to come to new understandings and connect to people easier and communicate clearer and I love messy shifting nomenclature when it’s used as a tool to help make sense of a thing so you can start figuring out how to fix it. But then of course it gets co-opted by this shit, lifting that technique and using it to bury pain under pretty language Strips the life out of the language along with everything else.

[@bledking]

More than ever the world needs comedians like him.

[@jcole139]

You’re not wrong but even more than that I believe the general public needs to actually hear his words and realize our politics are rigged. Stop fighting your neighbor, fight your real oppressors. The corrupt politicians and corporations.

[@cyborgchicken3502]

Most famous comedians do this now, Dave Chappelle, Louis CK, Chris Rock even has started doing this after his Will Smith slap, Bill Burr, Mark Normand, hell even Joe Rogan, Ricky Gervais has been doing essentially "counter woke comedy"

[@derrickmcadoo3804]

One of the last great Liberals. It's a shame. The left today is all about creepy cult/ fascist stuff. Intolerance. Restrictions on free speech. Carlin was a champion of Free Speech.

[@hydra7427]

The unfortunate thing about the part about Shell Shock vs PTSD is that it is wrong. The reason for the change from "shell shock" to "battle fatigue" and "operational exhaustion" was that it isn't the artillery that's doing it, as originally surmised, but rather any prolonged combat experience. There is a nice chart that talks about combat effectiveness, where the first few days represent 'green' condition of unreadiness, then after a week peak readiness, which drops off steadily until after a month of frontline combat the soldier is effectively worthless and absolutely needs rest without question. That's "operational exhaustion". Just the act of going into combat - not even seeing horrors, just preparing to die and kill for 30 days - can cause the condition. And then when we get to PTSD, we recognize that the condition isn't even related to combat itself, but to a wide range of things. Domestic abuse, for example. It is less 'human' and more medicalized, but it isn't less correct. It is more correct and better understood.

[@bludlite9352]

That's why as much as I like George Carlin in this day and age what he was saying is not revolutionary or as revolutionary as people think even back then.. this run of jokes actually highlights a lack of understanding to the changing of times than "speaking truth"

[@BlueCardGanks592]

@@bludlite9352eh some of these were just the changing of time, but a lot of them were people naively trying to protect peoples feelings to no effect, or propaganda used by the government to manipulate people and downplay the damage they were causing

[@CertifiedDoc]

@@bludlite9352 Except that the PTSD bit is the only set of terms he wasn't really right about. The rest are either made-up hogwash or whitewashing the language for no true benefit.

[@VincentEdelstein]

That’s right yeah

[@GradyPhilpott]

@hydra7427 Very well put. Carlin was a genius, but his craft was telling jokes and his success was in getting laughs and more gigs. He was not philosopher or a psychologist or a medical professional, so we should remember him for his humor, not his social analysis.

[@kathleendixon4125]

Still so refreshing to hear George tell it like it is. Brings me comfort, as the this new, subtly introduced vocabulary erases the truth and confuses everyone. Keeps us off balance.

[@manfromatlantisX]

If George Carlin we're alive today he'd have so much material to poke fun at! We need more comedians with an edge. Other than the comedians running the planet!

[@ToudaHell]

Try Franky Boyle

[@adamclark9004]

That's what people said about Bill Burr 10 years ago, now look at him he's soft

[@humantacos9800]

Bill Burr soft?

[@kevingraham236]

His humor and insights will always be missed! Truly a one of a kind!

[@GeneralSorrow]

RIP George Carlin

[@AIMusicFF]

Why u talk about him like hes dead

[@jeffjones4736]

I'll never get tired of George...

[@sharisimonehampton5434]

We could only be so l,lucky to have him as a teacher. Goes to show you there's always another way of seeing life. Love & miss you George. 😉👍❤

[@Drewski8705]

The greatest most brutally honest and outright blunt comedian/philosopher to ever live. I miss this man so much. His monologues never get .....old

[@tylermcconnell]

Bill Hicks was his only competition.

[@shogunofharlem8240]

Stop referring to comedians as philosophers. Reductionist thinking is a poor man's idea of philosophy. Carlin was at least funny at times, (unlike Hicks) and he was certainly funnier in the 70's before he went nihilist.

[@Black_Caucus]

His comedy doesn't die either- it only passes away.

[@Random_Jester]

​​@@shogunofharlem8240You know jack-shit about philosophy ancient Greek philosophers joked too and used philosophy on them

[@AVI-lh6rm]

@@shogunofharlem8240While we're here.. I also wanna say that Carlin's point about soft language and using PTSD as an example felt kind of bogus. Shortly after WW1, it was the norm to completely disregard traumatized veterans and call them "cowards". Just because it was called "shell shock" doesn't mean people took it seriously. It was not taken seriously in the slightest. Ironically, in the current era where it is referred to as PTSD, people happen to be taking it much more seriously. Although some places like the VA still disregard traumatized veterans, the general public is beginning to sympathize with those veterans and there are even popular charities dedicated to helping veterans with PTSD and other mental disorders.

[@joshuacampbell9990]

I really miss the sheer honesty of George Carlin. His form of comedy was flat out honesty telling people what they needed to hear over just dumb jokes. He was a legend in his own time and he would be loosing his ever loving mind today.

[@bobwilliams4072]

Remember, George retired from society long before he died. He said no longer had any use for it and just didn't care anymore. Personally, I don't think he could stand the collective stupidity any longer.

[@kmc485]

He's my absolute favorite comedian, but he sold out like all the others. Joe Rogan reminds me of him occasionally now not for his comedy, but being a gatekeeper. There is one act that George had that's pretty well know that was then used in Zeitguist about religion where he says that he could get behind a religion that worshipped the sun. Sun worship. Saturn. Morning Star. Lucifer. Sun worshipers are Satanists period. Its paganism. People need to wake. These people regardless of the way they sound to us, they are bad people. They are smart, they say what they think we want to hear. But they are Satanists. They are paedophiles and it goes way up to the most powerful people and people like George Carlin are gatekeepers that they use to control the masses. They would have a lot harder time controlling us without Hollyweird. Wake up people. These people are what real EVIL is. Do the research.

[@hwiley8141]

​@@bobwilliams4072 going down that path myself. Just so done with people and their bs.

[@tstcikhthys]

*losing

[@nickacelvn]

@@hwiley8141 Don't let the stupid engage you then win with experience. FIGHT god dammit fight the stupid.

[@eonsdayz3231]

Thank you to George Carlin for bringing me the truth since I was a wee lass ❤ your honesty is truly missed.

[@frankoconnor806]

Great graphics to complement the comic genius George Carlin. Dead but not forgotten RIP G.C. ❤

[@FutureBond88]

Clarity of speech is more important now than ever before. People need more of a backbone these days!

[@trentp151]

People need enough of a backbone to engage in discussion with people they disagree with. Clarity of speech will come afterwards.

[@FutureBond88]

@@trentp151 Yes, very true. Courage must come first before nearly all else, but sadly most social media erodes at self confidence and therefore courage. What to do...

[@trentp151]

@@FutureBond88 Well, in an age where we don't hardly ever see the people we talk to face to face, I don't think there is an easy solution... Got to force ourselves back into the world, delete our social media, get back to real life for a while. Part of it also is Marxist hatred towards humanity--- this is designed specifically to destroy confidence and courage, and to have everyone be cogs in the wheel of communism. What to do, indeed...

[@kellydalstok8900]

Too many young people can’t cope with disappointment nowadays.

[@thuggineternal]

Man, I cannot get enough of George Carlin lately. I definitely wasn't old enough to appreciate him back in the day. The wisdom in his humor is wonderful. I did grow up listening to Richard Pryor after sneaking my step dad's tapes. A 10 year old white girl from the Midwest growing up in the 80-90's listening to Richard Pryor definitely broadened my vocabulary.

[@EntouchNetwork]

LOL: I Bet!!

[@katiekane5247]

That 10 year old that memorized Carlin's 7 words you can't say on TV did the same thing years before. Us Midwestern white girls needed all the help we could muster!

[@mondopinion3777]

Yup. Kansas farm girl here, born in '41. Loved Mort Sahl. And learned how to be cool from Lou Reed and The Velvet Underground. Art educates the soul.

[@thuggineternal]

@@katiekane5247 ain't that the truth.

[@GuinessOriginal]

And your mind

[@jameswagner2634]

George carlin will truly be missed. George was definitely one of a kind , and if you paid attention. He was a true asset.😎🇺🇸👍

[@jesusnodal8948]

This man is pure gold!! I miss him very much!!👍👍👍👍

[@schfiftyfive9680]

A side note, I really appreciate this animation. I'm an OEF and OIF vet and the accuracy of the uniforms and depictions of battle were on point for their eras. Facial expressions are what really got me because I still can't seem to shake that look of anger and sadness. I am perfectly happy and fine now but people tell me I have a bad case of "F--- you face".

[@manubishe]

Seems like the perfect expression for that time .

[@deepg7084]

It's understandable buddy.

[@spiderwort6291]

Loved this man and could really use his humour today. He knew way more back then than most sleeping humans today. Thank you for sharing this. I was in stitches throughout! Bless his soul ❤️🥰🇨🇦

[@styxrakash4639]

I agree. This was from 30+ years ago! Insane how ahead of the curve he was

[@faza553]

Comedians = endangered species in Peoplekindom nations. Humourprivilege has an ICD code in the DSM-5-TR.

[@BarnDoor-won5ve]

The sad thing was listening to it and thinking "why are you people laughing, this is a serious matter that's destroying humanity". If only we had George around today only he wouldn't be called comedian he'd be a conspiracy theorist for right extremist bigot 🙄

[@ThaTruFily]

Carlin died a lefty, daily reminder.

[@legitplayin6977]

@@ThaTruFilyAnd that’s why he’s great

[@rich45davis]

Growing up on Carlin, Hicks and Pryor was a blessing and the best education I could have.

[@KrawmKruach]

He was a philosopher disguised as a comedian, we are all worse off without his presence in our lives.

[@pariahmouse7794]

You should have gotten so many more likes!!! Very good comment, people argue the philosopher/comedian thing, but when someone hit this level of intelligent observation, it's honestly BOTH...

[@chrischrin]

Philosophers are comedians

[@PaganPunk]

Definitely ❤

[@UnschoolingCOM]

“Control language and you control thought; control thought and you control action; control action and you control the world.” ~ Peter Kreeft

[@baribabe17]

Never in my LIFE did I think I would end up seeing George Carlin referenced in one of my school textbooks. Then a week after seeing that, I decided to use THIS EXACT special as a reference for a writing 122 essay.

[@robertabray-enhus3198]

George was an observer and genius!! He made our everyday surroundings funny!

[@a2zin125]

God bless this man's soul. I sure miss him. 🙏

[@countrygirl7402]

He was a genius. A comedic genius that told the truth.

[@MatthewThornhillTheDoctor]

there's something incredibly comforting about listening to george carlin tell me it's okay to get old.

[@morebirdsandroses]

I'm seeing being old as a real accomplishment. I want to take credit for every day I've made it.

[@luiskross6454]

In reality your not getting old your slowy dying even the word old is a soft word

[@StomachPlug]

​@@luiskross6454 "Oh, it's your birthday today? How close to death are you now?" ... Gotta say, that doesn't really fit the intended vibe of the question.

[@heatherjones9773]

I miss Mr. Carlin, he was the best.

[@angeloostjen7819]

I live in Brazil and always get astonished by how George Carlin makes sense of all he says to us. I think his thoughts are so inner to human conditions that anyone can (or should need) agree with all he says.

[@stevecollins3496]

Wow! If we could just bring George Carlin back to life today... he'd say, "PUT ME BACK!!!"

[@septembersurprise5178]

"All say, "How hard it is that we have to die"-- a strange complaint to come from the mouths of people who have had to live." - Mark Twain

[@bluewren65]

I didn't think this bit by Carlin could get any better, but these illustrations are gorgeous and elevate it to a new level.

[@Detourist]

You mean they make it fuckin better?

[@josephwyner2255]

He was so brilliant❤

[@freshdew4153]

I miss him so much. So glad I can still listen to him though

[@teiwaz2692]

“We think too much and feel too little. More than machinery, we need humanity; more than cleverness, we need kindness and gentleness. Without these qualities, life will be violent and all will be lost.” ― Charlie Chaplin

[@saschamayer4050]

Is that a quote from The Great Dictator?

[@slaughtergang518]

A world without violence is like a story without a villain. It goes against the laws of nature

[@teiwaz2692]

@@saschamayer4050 Yes ☺️

[@TheNightWatcher1385]

@@teiwaz2692 I disagree. I believe we feel too much and think too little. That’s the point of euphemistic language, to convey information in a way so as to avoid emotions arbitrarily deemed undesirable.

[@MarcRivers]

RIP CAPITAL STEEZ

[@NanaBren]

“Some nights the wolves are silent and only the moon howls “. Best quote of his of all time! I miss him. ❤

[@bugjams]

Quite ironic that that quote is in itself, an example of soft language. I guess it's good if it sounds poetic and deep?

[@NanaBren]

Ironic, yes, but it gave me a weird sense of being understood. I think he must have been flying high when he wrote that. LOL

[@bufoz]

​@bugjams thats not ironic - its not what he means by "soft language". hes not obfuscating anything there. its very direct, just metaphorical and poetic

[@MrHuddo]

Bingo! Soft language, as used here by George Carlin, describes the mincing of words to describe harsh realities and truths inherent to the human condition. However, this must be kept in mind with the further message conveyed here by Carlin which is that, words arise from thoughts, and changing or softening words can alter the clarity of thought.@@bufoz

[@NanaBren]

I think the wolves are the annoying everyday thoughts that keep us from going deeper. To me, when the moon howls, it is the voice of our souls calling out to be heard. George had a way of seeing through the bs to the truths beneath. I miss his honesty. 🐺🪶🌙🌜🎤🎭🔭

[@eallawson7601]

Sheer Genius - Exceptional and Entertaining.

[@morganwhite2176]

PTSD is actually the best one. Its inclusive of many things, shell shock is one thing, but PTSD (watching your friend die) is inclusive in there.

[@soldierofmisortune4413]

The inclusivity of the term is the problem. PTSD lumps people that got bit by a dog or had a shitty parent together with those that got most their flesh removed by an enemy IED & their Brothers in Arms that saw it happen. They are not the same. The term "PTSD" is limp wristed psychobabble from so called intellectuals that have no personal connection to or real understanding of what those more extreme experiences are like & how they're different. As a 4X combat vet I hate how it's used to water down & sanitize horrific experiences that don't exist in Western civilization. It's insulting. Combat veterans deserve recognition, & a unique term, for the horrors only they go through.

[@elizabethq1709]

@@soldierofmisortune4413 Its not a problem to acknowledge that everyone experiences trauma, and that it shouldn't be a competition of who is suffering more. We should just want to minimize suffering in general as much as possible. Because at the end of the day, they are the same. Traumatic situations, no matter what they are, have a certain effect on the brain and body. That effect doesn't change with the situation, unless it is a situation that happens for a prolonged period of time, in which case it would be classified as CPTSD (Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder)

[@UNOMINATTi]

George Carlin is theee most honest, creative, intelligent, and absolutely hilarious comedians to ever live! Easily one of the top 5 comedians of all time! R.I.P GC!

[@tomxzf]

Clean shot of brutal honesty right where it hurts most. It's not what people want, but it's what people need. Brilliance, this man.

[@elizabethq1709]

No, this is not what we need. This is the mindset that caused millions of PTSD suffers to go on ignored for generations and also what caused millions of neurodivergent people to be tortured.

[@BlusherShy]

Classic. Rest in peace George Carlin.

[@stevevanleeuwen8815]

Oh Man!!! That was pure genius, just awesome! The way you drew the spirit leaving the body is brilliant, the double helix.... I like the smile on its face too. Of course, George Carlin is a true hero!

[@styxrakash4639]

Love this man. Would give anything to have him speak on the modern landscape

[@yonaapple]

They would cancel him for being “fat phobic” or “transphobic” LOL

[@Dukenukem]

Just don't look at the dates, many of his routines applies until people stop beeing stupid.... so eternaly.

[@styxrakash4639]

@@redmannamder3620 Carlin Died in 2008

[@styxrakash4639]

@@Dukenukem You're right

[@julialerner3322]

Now we have Jimmy Dore to do that.

[@romanyrose4074]

I miss George I was in my 20's when he did this skit and it really woke me up. I've been on the path of truth and reality ever since. Thank you for not sugar coating it we all need to hear this message.

[@user-qj6lt7ir4u]

Most Excellent! I miss George.

[@user-xh4gw1hr4b]

Carlin was a true artist ...❤❤❤

[@HeisenbergFam]

Watching this makes me appreciate Carlin even more

[@cozmoos]

Man I miss this dude, learned so much from him growing up.

[@Witchofthewoods.]

This dude's a genius. I love him. ❤️ God rest his soul.

[@bradparker9664]

A true great. His comedy was always based on a genius analysis of real life.

[@1day2dayme]

Thanks for the amazing illustration! Years later, I suddenly came to realise: lots of George Carlin's standups are not telling jokes, but pointing out facts disguised by the greedy and powerful as well as their minions. And it feels so cathartic.

[@elizabethq1709]

Nothing he said was a fact though

[@dogfacedsoldier327]

Pure genius. It's still hard to believe he narrated Thomas the Train.

[@nathankinman7753]

"Thomas never saw such bullshit before!" I'm just amazed that my very conservative Boomer mother let me watch Shining Time Station, knowing who the actor was that played "Mr. Conductor." 😆

[@grumpymonkey14]

were there two narrators? or just different from here in the UK? Ours was Ringo Starr

[@neorocket95]

@@grumpymonkey14 they both narrated at different times

[@mikesahle1193]

Thank you 🙏 your pictures is thousand words ☝️👏👏👏👍🎥☮️👋

[@WelcomeApathy]

The last quote of his on the endcard here is actually my argument against some of what he said. "The quality of language" - yes, that is important. But language develops as we learn more and understand more and have the language to articulate what we mean in new and better ways. It's not necessarily about softening the words. Is it sometimes? Absolutely. The government, businesses, media, administration and authorities wherever definitely engage in language manipulation. They use words to change emotions of their audience. But sometimes language changes as we learn and grow as people. His first example - shell shock. He argues it was clear and a harsh explanation that would spark people into caring. But it also makes it seem specific to only a certain percentage of the population - soldiers who saw battle. And it sounds temporary. Shock is sudden and bad, but eases off quickly if away from the situation that caused it. It doesn't sound like something that can affect anyone with trauma for years and years. Yet, PTSD covers so much more. It is clinical, I will admit that. But it shows that it is a legitimate clinical diagnosis, something that we acknowledge and can work on. And as our understanding of the disorder evolves, we learn new designations such as C-PTSD. This lets us discuss, research, diagnosis, and treat people more specifically and in greater depth for what they have. Then, you have language that has become pejorative. Take his example of cripple. That word became cruel, was used to hurt people and insult them. It moved so far from its basic meaning that hearing it became hurtful to many. At that point, it's meaning changed. Thus our language needed to evolve past it. This has been the case with many words - descriptors, labels, diagnoses, etc. When a word becomes more associated with hurt than its original meaning, no, it isn't the better choice. Now, sometimes the people that were hurt go about reclaiming a word. That's a different circumstance, as they are acknowledging the hurt and stepping up to it. But to argue that everyone should use a word like that because it was used before or because a marginalized group uses it now ignores that language is supposed to evolve. There are times when language has been manipulated when it shouldn't be. For example, "hearing-impaired" was coined by hearing people not the group it was supposed to describe. Deaf people, particularly those in the Deaf community, want to be called by the label they want, not something watered down by the majority group being patronizing and/or making it seem just so terrible to be deaf. That's why there's no concise answer on the evolution of language. It changes. That's what it does. For good reasons and for bad. But the important thing is to watch how it changes and know why it is doing so. Understanding that, critical thinking, etc., that is what will make you be able to use the right language at the right time and for the right purpose. Whether the words are new, soft, or not.

[@bunnykins1450]

Talented, fabulous artist. A privilege to watch. Thank you 🙏🏼

[@grioulaloula8594]

When the term “food insecurity” started to be used I thought George Carlin would have a field day with that term.

[@devaughnsalter6264]

I haven't heard that one yet. What is that? Famine?

[@bruxinth4660]

@@devaughnsalter6264 Well, yes, but it could be more due to having no money to buy food.

[@devaughnsalter6264]

@@bruxinth4660 So... Broke?

[@bruxinth4660]

@@devaughnsalter6264 yup.

[@pbonfanti]

​@@devaughnsalter6264 it is famine all the same for me.

[@quinn3301]

I think that it's important to acknowledge that not all of these examples were made to be misleading. For example, PTSD is a real thing and a there is a lot more to it than "shell shock". I think it's also important to realize that not all language changes are bad. There is a very big difference between not using a word because it has a history of being weaponized against certain groups in order to hurt them and a word being changed in order to mislead people. ( Not saying slurs is a good thing. ) So long as we are mindful about the language changes, ask ourselves why it is being changed, who is advocating for the change, and use our critical thinking skills, we can use language changes for the better.

[@1zymn1]

I feel the same about PTSD, it needed a broader definition when we learned that not only soldiers can get it, but when Carlin said this that still wasn't known.

[@rbhughbanks]

“Critical thinking skills” is the dehumanizing language for using your brains. He is saying to use simple, direct words.

[@bunk95]

Theres other ways to market those being abused…tortured in the ways marketed with the fiction of PTSD when the one being tortured isnt also marketed as soldier, etc. What do you [market] one who speaks about things that can be thought of a remote controlling humans and other animals?

[@kellylyons1038]

Shell shock is so misleading and not the full story of why a soldier could come home traumatized! Thats so dismissive of the entire military experience. Soldiers get abused, or witness traumatic things that dont involve artillery, the fear for their life, and so much more. When they come home, the issues they face aka symptoms of ptsd, are so much more broad and complex than "shell shock". Especially considered that shell shock is a literary phrase that writers use to describe any sort of surprised person, it really does not carry the weight to describe what the men and women who fight for this country deal with in the aftermath. So it's just plain wrong....end of story. I respect our veterans and unless they actually prefer shell shock, then ptsd is far superior.

[@TheRunningDad]

The man was truly awake. He took the original red pill